Parish in East Hampshire, Hampshire, England
| Coordinates: | 51.152, -0.966 |
|---|---|
| OS grid ref: | SU 72 39 |
| Population: | 16,584 |
| Dialling code: | 01420 |
Alton is a historic market town and civil parish in East Hampshire, Hampshire, set among the rolling chalk of the Hampshire Downs. Its compact town centre has a mix of Georgian and older buildings, a long-standing market tradition and a lively high street of independent shops and cafes; the surrounding countryside and nearby villages such as Chawton and Selborne give it a strong literary and natural heritage that attracts visitors.
The town has traditional links to watercress cultivation and is the southern terminus of the heritage Watercress Line to Alresford, while modern rail services provide commuter access into London. Local life combines tourism, retail and light industry, and the area carries reminders of its past, including a skirmish during the English Civil War, giving Alton a character that blends rural charm with practical connections.
GU34 4EU, GU34 2LL, GU34 4HN, GU34 2TP, GU34 2JY, GU34 2DB, GU34 4BF, GU34 2BZ, GU34 2AX … See all